Learn More about the Luminary Walk

To ensure an enjoyable experience for all, the Luminary Walk will again be a capacity-controlled event. Tickets are date and time-specific and must be purchased in advance.

You must present a printed QR code, or have it available on your phone.

Do not arrive without having first purchased tickets! No tickets will be available at the gate.

Attractions

(All attractions are included in your ticket price)

Candlelit pathways with live music floating through the woods

Free Louisburg Cider Mill apple cider, hosted by Boy Scout Troops 222 & 91 (Luminary Walk and Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll nights)

Live musical entertainment stationed throughout the gardens

Photos with Santa 5:00-8:30pm (traditional Luminary Walk nights only)

Gnome and Fairy Houses along the Mystical Loop

Holiday Trains running in the Train Garden 5:00-8:45pm (Luminary Walk and Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll nights)

Family selfie photo-op spots for great holiday pictures

Lighted pathways and displays

please note: Electric Glow weeknights are a limited, electric-lights-only experience that does not include Santa, candlelit woods, musicians, free cider, nor trains running in the train garden.

How Much Time Does the Walk Require?

The entire Luminary Walk is about 1.5 miles long through the woods and gardens, although there are a few options to make it shorter. Some people enjoy it at a brisk pace, others stop at each display, enjoy the quiet spots, warm up at one of the many fire pits, and enjoy the performances of various entertainers. If you rush, you’ll miss a lot, so at a comfortable pace, and allowing time to enjoy it all, we recommend giving yourself between 1 hour and 90 minutes for the Walk. For Electric Glow weeknights, the experience is much more limited without the crowds and extras.

Preparing for the Walk

The Walk route follows the sidewalks of the Arboretum through the gardens and the woods, with some uphill climbs and downhill slopes. The length is about 1.5 miles, although you can shorten it to just under a mile by skipping the scenic loops. Warm walking shoes are a must and we highly recommend all-weather boots if there is snow on the ground.

Preparing for the Weather

The entire walk is outdoors, through the woods and the gardens. Dress appropriately for the temperature and for walking, keeping in mind that it gets much colder when the sun goes down. A hat and gloves are highly recommended.

Inclement Weather Cancellation: Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event of a cancellation due to rain, we will exchange those tickets for any other date that has availability. Please review our Weather Cancellation Policy for more details.

Accessibility

This event is accessible and wheelchair friendly. We make every effort to be as inclusive as possible. The vendor/attraction tents are near the sidewalks and within reach. Our sidewalk grade is well under the maximum deemed by the ADA. We also have wheelchair-friendly restrooms available.

Concessions

Complimentary hot cider will be provided by Louisburg Cider Mill and hosted by Boy Scout Troops 222 & 91 on traditional Luminary Walk Fridays and Saturdays, as well as the Thursday Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll nights. Additional food and drink will be available for purchase at each event, including Electric Glow weeknights. Please, no outside food and drink allowed.

Parking

The Luminary Walk is a popular event, so plan for extra time to park and walk to the entrances. Two entrances will be open from 179th Street - the West Gate going to LongHouse and the East Gate at the Main Arboretum Entrance. Parking is free. Parking onsite is limited, when lots are full, drivers will be directed to offsite parking and shuttles will be provided. If you need handicap parking, simply let the parking attendants see your parking placard.

Pets

Sorry, no pets allowed, please leave them at home. Even on normal days at the Arboretum, dogs are not allowed on the paths that the Luminary Walk will follow, so we ask that you do not bring them for this event. With the exception of service animals.